Praying Mantis

I found this beautiful creature sitting on the front of my house this morning:

I you haven't seen a Praying Mantis before, they're about 4 inches long and totally harmless.  This little ones have always been one of my favorites in the bug world!

In other news, Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments Volume 3 is well under way.  I expect to have it finished in another week or 2.  I stitched up the cat doll for the cover:

I'll get him sewn up in the next few days.  For now, I'm back to work on a few more borders.

Free Shipping at Kitty & Me

Since today is the first day of Autumn, mom and I thought we'd jump start this beautiful season with a Free Shipping offer in our Etsy shop:

Use Coupon Code:  Blog923 for Free Shipping on all domestic orders.  Offer excludes our Crazy Quilt Fabric Packs since shipping is already included in that price.

Sneak Peek

I finished up stitching on my last cellphone pouch:

All of the borders on this piece are in my upcoming "Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments" Volume 3.

I plan to get these sewn up and in the shop this coming week.

I also started on a little Autumn door hanger:

And here's a closeup of the that pretty green seam treatment which also is a border coming soon in Volume 3:

I've been experimenting with a few different ideas, one of which you can see on this door pillow.  Look for the leaf border stitched on 14 count Aida.  That border is from Volume 1.

I have loads of new ideas so if you don't already follow my blog, please do so you don't miss out on some cool new crazy quilt techniques!

Mom The Celebrity!

Last week, mom's picture was in our local newspaper, The Northwest Herald:

As you know, my mom is legally blind.  She has a small amount of central vision which gives her the ability to still do a little bit of sewing and make a few cards.  Mom always said that she was determined to use what vision she still has for as long as she can.

Mom is pictured here with the president of our local Lion's Club and her Seeing Eye Dog.

Red and Black Purse Is Done

I sewed up my red and black purse yesterday morning and then did the hand finishing yesterday afternoon:

I'm not really a red person but this was a nice change of scenery for me.

And here is an update on my current cellphone pouch:

The seam embroidery is from Volume 3 of my Elegant Crazy Quilt Seam Treatments Book.  It's coming soon!